Are You Reading Up On Childhood Disorders?

Welcome to another post on "What Candice Learned in Psychology Today"
Today we talked about Disorders. The ones that really stuck out to me were the ones that are more common in kids. I kept searching in my mind for symptoms my kids might be showing that would point to any of these potential problems.

I'm not very well informed on this issue, but the more I learn about it the more I realize I need to be. Early detection could make a HUGE difference in helping your kids lead a normal life. Detecting Autism closer to the age of 2 or 3 gives them a gigantic advantage over children who don't get diagnosed until they are 5 or 6. So in that spirit here's the information I got today from class, and what I looked up afterwards. If anyone has any further information they could share please do!

ADHDADHD is becoming very common, there's a large streak of it in my family. Although there are worries that it's being over-diagnosed and maybe over-medicated. Regular exercise has been suggested as something that might help get some of the extra energy out.

A childhood mental disorder in which children simply can't pay attention, show hyperactivity or impulsivity, or both of these systems.

Here's a list of symptoms to look out for. Don't get over worried about this long list, but if you want to know more check it out here.

1. The child is easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds.

2. The child fails to pay attention to details and makes careless mistakes.

3. He/she rarely follow instructions carefully and completely losing or forgetting things like toys, or pencils, books, and tools needed for a task.

4. Skips from one incomplete activity to another.

5. The child feels restless, often fidgeting with hands, feet, arms or legs or squirming while seated or gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.

6. The child is always on the go. Up to something like running, climbing or jumping.

7. The child usually blurts out answers before hearing the whole question or interrupts conversations or games.

8. Children with ADHD are over talkative.

9. They have difficulty waiting in line or taking turns.

10. They usually fail to give close attention to details and are unable to do schoolwork, work, or other activities.

11. When talking to ADHD child, it seems like talking to walls because he does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

12. He/she rarely follows instructions and fail to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace.

13. They might have trouble organizing activities.

14. An ADHD affected child avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).

15. The child often loses things that they need to take care of e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools.

16. He/she is forgetful in daily activities.

17. The child runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate or prohibited.

18. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.

19. He/she can’t wait for one’s turn or stay in a row.

20. To sum it up, an ADHD child is like a toy that has a never ending battery and is always on the go!!!!!!!

Autism

Autism is getting more and more attention in the media. Shows like Parenthood (a great show on NBC that's all about families and the struggles they have and is so worth watching! It's got my favorite Gilmore Girl, Lauren Graham in it) One of the families has a son who gets diagnosed with Asperger Syndrom, an Autism spectrum.

Major impairment in establishing social interactions with others.

Red Flags of Autism Spectrum Disorders:

If your baby shows two or more of these signs, please ask your pediatric healthcare provider for an immediate evaluation. For more information on Autism click here.

Impairment in Social Interaction:

• Lack of appropriate eye gaze
• Lack of warm, joyful expressions
• Lack of sharing interest or enjoyment
• Lack of response to name

Impairment in Communication:

• Lack of showing gestures
• Lack of coordination of nonverbal communication
• Unusual prosody (little variation in pitch, odd intonation, irregular rhythm,
  unusual voice quality)

Repetitive Behaviors & Restricted Interests:

• Repetitive movements with objects
• Repetitive movements or posturing of body, arms, hands, or fingers

3 things to remember about this post.
1-I am NOT an expert so don't take what I posted as concrete.
2-Don't freak yourself out.
3-Even if you think there's a SMALL chance your kid might be at risk for either of these disorders check it out. It's worth the time